Slot shop opposed in Huntingdon

THERE has been an angry reaction to plans to open an adult amusement arcade in Huntingdon's historic market square.

Opposition to the plan has been expressed by Huntingdon's Town Centre Partnership and The Huntingdon and Godmanchester Civic Society. Huntingdon Town Council is to meet on Thursday to discuss its response to the proposal.

An application for planning permission has been submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council by Carey Leisure, which already has an amusement arcade in South Street, St Neots. The application is to use the empty premises at 6 Market Hill, most recently used by a firm of solicitors.

David Carey, a director of Carey Leisure, told The Hunts Post the company had acquired the lease of the building and would appeal if planning permission were not granted this time round.

He said: "This will be an amusement arcade with fruit machines, strictly for over 18s only. If they cannot show ID, then they will not get in.

"We have seven other outlets and we have never had a problem. This is not family entertainment. That is a completely different business."

However, John Nunn, vice-chairman of the Huntingdon Town Centre Partnership, said: "We are concerned about this application because the market square is not appropriate for a gambling place. What this area needs is cafes, bars and restaurants to attract people here."

He added: "This sort of thing should be tucked away in a corner not put in such a prime position where young people can be attracted into them."

Richard Meredith, secretary of Huntingdon and Godmanchester Civic Society, said the society would object formally to the application. "I don't think we need this sort of thing on our ancient and historic market square," he said.

Carey Leisure has amusement arcades in St Neots, Kettering and Stamford.

INFORMATION: The deadline for comments on the planning application is Wednesday, January 24.